Ganden Sumtsenling Monastery

Chinese name: 松赞林寺 (Song Zan Lin Si)
Location: Niwang road, Shangri-La city, Yunnan Province.
Ticket: Entrance ticket CNY115.00 include electric cart
Estimated tour time: 2-3 hours
Recommended time to visit: All year round.
Nearby attractions: Napa Lake, Dukezong Ancient Town, Potatso National Park, Balagezong Scenic Area, etc.

The largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery is located near Shangri-la County. The monastery is known as the little Potala Palace, because its traditional Tibetan atmosphere resembles the famous palace in Lhasa. Built on top of a mountain, at an elevation of 3,380 meters, the monastery's location and architecture make is a fantastic destination.

The Ganden Sumtseling Monastery belonging to the Gelukpa order of Buddhism was established by the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1679. It was built during the rule of the Qing dynasty Kangxi Emperor (r.1662-1722). He fully patronized the development of this monastery. It is also said that the emperor was associated in the reincarnation search for the Seventh Dalai Lama.

In the 24 April 1936, the monastery had provided full support to the Communist general He Long who passed through this area during his campaign. However, the monastery was partially destroyed in 1959. Since 1981, the situation has changed, the monastery buildings have been mostly restored and normality prevails.

Spread along the hill slope, the rebuilt monastery complex is modeled on Lhasa's Potala Palace. It has six main buildings which include eight Buddhist colleges. The entrance gate to the monastery is located at the base of the mountain and 146 steps need to be climbed to reach the monastery itself.The main hall of the temple houses a series of precious Buddhism-related objects like scriptures written on palm leaves, the Shakyamuni statues, colorful thangkas, fine gilded wares, etc. The temple roof offers a nice overview of front meadow and the town as well as the Tibetan sky burial sites in the distance. Other affiliated smaller temples and monk's residences (residing about 700 monks) humbly hustle down around the main temple.